20 Best Things to do in Nuevo Vallarta

Here are some of the best things to do, attractions, and activities in Nuevo Vallarta, Mexico during your vacation. Our family has been compiling this list over the last 15 years, so you’ll be guaranteed to have an amazing trip to this little piece of paradise.

About Nuevo Vallarta, Mexico

With 5 kilometers (3 mi) of golden beaches, luxurious resorts & condominiums, multiple golf courses, and first-class infrastructure, Nuevo Vallarta is considered one of the best beach destinations in Mexico. It actually has the 2nd highest number of hotels and resorts in the country (after Cancun, of course). In addition to all of that, it has very exclusive restaurants and two of the country’s most important marinas.

Nestled between Puerto Vallarta and Bucerias, this master-planned resort & condominium community features some of the most luxurious vacation home rentals and hotels such as the Mayan Palace, Dreams Villamagna, and Paradise Village. The newest addition to the area is the Grand Luxxe at Vidanta which received the prestigious AAA Five Diamond Award. Beachside, all-inclusive, short-term, or long-term stays, there is something for everyone in this town. There is even a U.S. Consulate located within the community at the Paradise Plaza Mall.

Weather & Rainy Season

Rainy season falls between the months of June, July, August & September. On average, the warmest month is August, and the coolest is February. The best time to visit is between April and June when the weather is amazing and it is still considered low season. If you’re interested in whale watching, however, visit between December and March.

Getting There

By air

The main airport is Gustavo Diaz Ordaz International Airport (PVR). It is well connected to all of Mexico, USA, and Canada. It is served by many major airlines such as Aeromexico, Alaska Airlines, American Airlines, United, and Delta.

By taxi or Uber

From the Airport, there are two options: Uber (~ $200 MXN) or Taxi (~ $300 MXN). Ubers aren’t allowed to get passengers at the airport pick-up area, but a quick walk over to the other side of the road via the pedestrian bridge solves this. Once you exit the building, just walk left towards the road and you’ll see the bridge. The Uber app will also help you find the pick-up zone.

Otherwise, grab a taxi for a little less of a hassle, but make sure you agree to the price before jumping in (they sometimes try to charge $400 MXN or more). You can also purchase a taxi voucher near each exit.

Best Nuevo Vallarta Activities

In this guide, we have put all our favorite restaurants, activities, and attractions in the area. We hope you enjoy your stay and fall in love with this little piece of paradise!

Whale Watching Tour

Season: December – March
Each winter the majestic Humpback Whales migrate from the arctic to breed and reproduce in the sheltered coasts of our bay. These gentle giants can be seen breaching out of the water as parents instruct their baby calves in the ways of the watery world. Each year, between 300 and 500 Humpback Whales are registered in the area! There are daily tours leaving from the nearby marinas in La Cruz (Marina Riviera Nayarit), Nuevo Vallarta, and Marina Vallarta.

Marietas Islands National Park

Explore this group of small uninhabited islands while snorkeling, kayaking, or paddleboarding. Dolphin encounters are a regular occurrence, but during the winter months, it is common to see humpback whales in the bay since this is a centuries-old breeding ground. In addition, you can visit the “hidden beach”, where you swim through cave formations and rock archways to an extraordinary oasis of white sand and crystal clear water.

Go Hiking

If you are interested in doing a hike, we have some detailed instructions and maps to follow! Monkey Mountain is our favorite hike on the north side of the bay, and the Las Animas beach hike from Boca de Tomatlan is our favorite hike on the south side (past Puerto Vallarta).

Fishing Trip

Banderas Bay offers some of the best sport fishing in Mexico. Mahi Mahi and Marlin season is best from September to February, but Red Snapper and Jack Crevalle fishing are great all year! See a list of all our favorite fishing charters.

Eat & Drink

Nuevo Vallarta takes eating and drinking very seriously. While visiting, you should too. The culinary scene in Nuevo Vallarta has exploded over the past couple of years, allowing visitors to delight in a diversity of cuisines and experiences. See our curated list of the best Nuevo Vallarta restaurants & bars.

Rent a Scooter

The greatest part of a motorcycle or scooter rental is the flexibility. You basically get priority parking wherever you go, and it works out to be a much better value than using taxis or Ubers. Plus, it allows visitors to fit lots of different attractions into a single day. For example, you could cruise down to Destiladeras Beach, Sayulita, San Pancho, Punta Mita, or Litibu beach. The best part is the freedom to set your own itinerary and go as you please!

Vallarta Botanical Gardens

A must for nature lovers, the Vallarta Botanical Gardens is a 30-minute drive south of Downtown Puerto Vallarta, but well worth the visit. Tucked into the Sierra Madre hills, this stunning ecological park has multiple trails and winding mountain walkways that showcase orchids, butterflies, and hummingbirds across its 79 acres. We walked all the trails in one afternoon, and they are all great, but if you only have time for one, our favorite was the Jaguar Trail which leads to a small beach and river swimming spot.

Rhythms of the Night

CRUISE, DINNER, & SHOW! Book a tour leaving from Nuevo Vallarta to the magical beach of Las Caletas by night. Watch the sun sink into the shimmering sea as you cruise to a secluded beach surrounded by the Sierra Madre mountains. Dine upon a gourmet 3-course meal by candlelight before watching the renowned Rhythms of the Night show, a stunning spectacle that promises to transport viewers to a spiritual land that time forgot.

Release Baby Sea Turtles

Season: June – December
This is definitely on the top of our list for things to do in Bucerias as a family. The area’s coastline is one of the most important breeding grounds for multiple species of sea turtle, and Bandera Bay’s preservation program ensures that sea turtles will thrive for years to come. Liberation ceremonies are held daily at multiple volunteer-run camp. Release ceremonies change every day depending on availability, so make sure to check out release dates & times below. 

Hire a Vacation Photographer

When was the last time your family took a photo with everyone in it? Hire a local professional photographer through LocalLens.com to return home with photo souvenirs that you’ll treasure for years to come. It’s a great idea for engagement photos, family portraits, honeymoon photos, bachelorette parties, or just because!

Get $20 OFF your photoshoot with our discount promo code: BEACHPLEASEMEXICO

Water Taxi to Los Muertos Beach

If you’d prefer to take the scenic route to downtown Puerto Vallarta, grab a water taxi from Nuevo Vallarta to Los Muertos Beach. There is a small tourist information booth located south of the Paradise Plaza Mall. During the high-season months, water taxis are available every day, every hour.

Bike Tours & Rentals

Bici Bucerias offers really fun bike tours any day of the week. Their 3-Hour Bike & Food Tasting Tour includes sampling locally roasted coffee, freshly-squeezed juices, and mouthwatering tacos. In between food stops, cycle through different parts of Bucerias and some of the countryside to admire views of the Sierra Madre mountains.

Their 2.5hr Wine & Beer Bike Tour is another great option. They’ll take you to Culi’s for a Mexican wine pairing with some amazing dishes, then to a local brewery to try a flight of craft beer (IPA, blonde, stout, pale ale, and more). There is usually a third stop that changes throughout the year.

If you are a more serious cyclist, you may be interested in their Cycling Tour to San Juan from Bucerias. Ride for a 40kms (round trip) and stop whenever necessary. Your professional guide will give support to all levels of riders and you will see a part of the Mexican countryside you haven’t seen before with beautiful farms and quaint towns.

Cirque du Soleil Nuevo Vallarta

Stay tuned for the water-themed Cirque du Soleil show and dining experience opening 2021. Grupo Vidanta, JOYA, and Cirque du Soleil Entertainment Group officially announced the launch, and construction is already well underway with a specially designed, world-class theater and a capacity of up to 600 guests.

Splash Water Park

Splash is a water park that offers a full day of fun for the entire family. It has water slides, a lazy river, and daily shows for the kiddos. No outside beverages are allowed, but they do allow you to enter with food that is perfect for a family picnic.

Get a Massage

There are many spots along the beach in Nuevo Vallarta that offer massages. The prices range between $500-700 MXN for 1 hour. We highly recommend Patty Spa which is within the Marina Suites Condos (there is another location, but this beachfront location is the best!). We have been going here for the last 20 years and you can’t beat the price or quality. Treat yo’ self!

Golfing

The golf courses of Nuevo Vallarta are yet another stunning attraction worth seeing. We highly recommend checking out El Tigre, which was named one of the most challenging golf courses in Mexico. It is impeccable and surrounded by lush greenery.

Downtown Puerto Vallarta

Although this is technically not in Nuevo Vallarta, it is still worth the drive. Start by strolling down the Malecon, the boardwalk that is full of boutique shops, restaurants, and bars. Afterward, cross the swinging rope footbridge to the Cuale River Island & Market to buy all kinds of Mexican crafts and souvenirs. Keep walking south until you reach Los Muertos Pier, one of Puerto Vallarta’s most iconic landmarks. The views from the end of the pier are great so be sure and have your camera ready! Also walk down Basilio Badillo Street in the heart of the Romantic Zone which is filled with art galleries, boutiques, restaurants, and bars. To finish off the day, cool off at the local craft brewery, Los Muertos Brewing, with amazing beers and delicious pizzas.

Chill at the beach

Yes, this is one of the more obvious things to do in Nuevo Vallarta, Mexico, but for good reason! Hang out under your beach palapa with a bucket full of ice-cold Pacifico beers while you enjoy one of Nuevo Vallarta’s spectacular sunsets. That’s the main reason you came, right?!

Crocodile Sanctuary El Cora

This is one of my favorite “off the beaten trail” things to do in Nuevo Vallarta, Mexico. Great family activity for those interested in nature and wildlife. A local veterinarian gives the tour through the sanctuary as you learn about animals and support local conservation efforts. Some people complain about the road being a little rough, but it really isn’t too bad.

Grand Odyssey Casino

Brand new 5,000 m2 casino that offers many options for gaming and entertainment such as craps, poker, various card tables, slots, a sportsbook, bingo, and 300 shiny slot machines. Try their buffet from 9 am to 12 pm for $99 MXN or the Executive Buffet from 3 pm to 6 pm for $70 MXN.

UPDATE: This Casino has now moved to Bucerias (7 minutes north) and is called Incanto.

Nuevo Vallarta Excursions & Tours

Other Information

Emergencies

Call 911 for any sort of emergency.
Tourist Police (bilingual officers who serve tourists): 329-291-6666

Hospital

San Javier Hospital is a state-of-the-art facility that’s open 24/7 with bilingual physicians, a fully-equipped Emergency Area, and an Intensive Care Unit.
+52 322 226 8181

FAQ

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